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Toyota creates tricked-out skier SUV run by iPads

LAS VEGAS -- As more of people's lives are controlled from their smartphones or tablet computers, auto designers are learning to take advantage of the technology. The latest example comes from Toyota, which

LAS VEGAS -- As more of people's lives are controlled from their smartphones or tablet computers, auto designers are learning to take advantage of the technology.

The latest example comes from Toyota, which just sponsored a competition here to come up with the most creative customized vehicle for the SEMA auto aftermarket products trade show going on here.

One of the entries, but not the winning one, came from Herbst Smith Fabrication which went to lengths to show all the functions of the vehicle that could be controlled through a smartphone or iPad. It's a tricked-out Toyota 4Runner SUV.

The Oakley 4Runner has a camouflage-patterned vehicle wrap, LED lights and a rugged, metal roof rack designed to electronically lower and open to store two sets of skis at the press of an iPad button. The doors, music, windows and other interior features are controlled by three separate Apple iPads. To make sure the ordinary can range into the ridiculous, the ski-oriented vehicle also has a coffeemaker, a dryer for each ski glove and boot and a mountable grill in the cargo area.

What really impresses is the enclosed ski storage unit atop the 4Runner. At the push of a button, the ski rack extended out from the unit then whirred some more as it lowered the skis down the side.

To further carry through the theme, there were two other iPads inside, front and back, for entertainment and navigation. Or, for that matter, to roll down the windows.

As for the winner of the contest, that went to the team that modified a giant Tundra pickup to make it several feet longer. The team joked that they thought the contest was about who could create the biggest vehicle, not the most creative one.